Sent Money to the Wrong Person on UPI? Here’s What You Should Do

Balasahana Suresh
UPI (Unified Payments Interdata-face) has made digital payments fast and convenient, but that speed can sometimes lead to costly mistakes. Sending money to the wrong UPI ID or mobile number is more common than you might think. If this has happened to you, don’t panic. There are specific steps you can take to recover your money or seek help. Here’s a complete guide.

Can You Get Your Money Back?

Yes—but it depends on timing and the recipient’s cooperation. UPI transactions are instant and irreversible by default, but banks and payment apps offer dispute and grievance mechanisms to help users in such cases. Acting quickly improves your chances significantly.

Step 1: Contact the Recipient Immediately

  • If the transaction was sent to a known person, call or message them and request a refund.
  • For wrong numbers, some UPI apps display the recipient’s name—try reaching out politely.
  • Many cases are resolved at this stage if the recipient agrees to return the money.
Important: The recipient must initiate the refund. You cannot force a reversal directly.

Step 2: Raise a Complaint in Your UPI App

If you can’t contact the recipient or they don’t respond:

Open your UPI app (Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, etc.).

Go to Transaction History.

Select the incorrect transaction.

Choose “Report a problem” or “Raise a dispute.”

Select the reason: Paid to wrong person / Incorrect UPI ID.

Your bank or UPI service provider will review the case.

Step 3: Contact Your bank customer Care

  • Call your bank’s customer care or visit a nearby branch.
  • Provide details such as:
    • Transaction ID (UTR)
    • Date and time
    • Amount
    • Wrong UPI ID or mobile number
The bank may contact the recipient’s bank and request a reversal.

Step 4: Escalate to NPCI (If Needed)

If the issue is not resolved within a reasonable time:

  • You can escalate the complaint to NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) via your bank or UPI app.
  • NPCI oversees UPI transactions and can intervene in unresolved disputes.
Step 5: Legal Option (Last Resort)

If a large amount is involved and the recipient refuses to return the money:

  • This may be treated as wrongful gain or misappropriation under indian law.
  • You can file a police complaint with transaction proof.
  • Legal action is usually a last resort but can help in serious cases.
How Long Does Resolution Take?

  • Simple cases: 2–7 working days
  • Bank/NPCI escalation: 10–30 days, depending on complexity
How to Avoid Sending Money to the Wrong Person

Follow these precautions to stay safe in the future:

  • Double-check the UPI ID or mobile number before confirming payment
  • Always verify the recipient’s name shown on the screen
  • Send ₹1 as a test transaction when paying someone new
  • Avoid rushing—UPI payments happen instantly
Key Things to Remember

  • UPI transactions are instant but not automatically reversible
  • The faster you act, the better your chances
  • Banks and UPI apps can assist but cannot force refunds
  • Always keep transaction screenshots and UTR numbers
Final Thoughts

Sending money to the wrong person on UPI can be stressful, but it doesn’t always mean your money is gone forever. By acting quickly, using in-app dispute tools, and contacting your bank, you increase the chances of recovery. Most importantly, being careful before confirming a payment is the best way to avoid such situations altogether.

 

Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.

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